Network-based voting systems and methods and recording media storing programs for use in such systems

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to voting systems, and more particularly to network-based voting systems. Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, devices, computer-implemented methods, computer programs stored on a computer-readable medium, and signals for use in such network-based voting systems. Embodiments of the present invention motivate new users to join the system, and stimulate existing and new users to use the system more.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/650477 filed on 7 Feb. 2005,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to voting systems, and more particularlyto voting systems distributed over a network such as the Internet,and/or other communication networks. In addition, the present inventionrelates to methods, especially computer-implemented methods, andrecording media storing programs, for use in such systems.

It will therefore be appreciated that, although the examples andembodiments disclosed herein relate to online or Internet-based systems,the present invention is applicable to any type of network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional online voting systems, such as the V3.0 release of theVote-for-Me service (originally located at www.Vote-for-Me.com), enableusers of the system to submit personal manifestos (profiles) andopinions for consideration by other users of the system. Accordingly,users of the system may review the submitted manifestos and opinions andoptionally vote for a number of those manifestos and opinions, or submitfurther opinions in response thereto. That is, such conventional onlinevoting systems support the creation and management of a populationuniverse (comprising users of the system) retained and operated via aninteractive database (provided in a server and accessible over theInternet) with the objective of generating, recording, reviewing,promoting or ranking (based on popularity as expressed by thepopulation) the combined or individual opinions, intellectual propertyand/or votes of the population. Such systems may introducesimilar-thinking users or groups of users to each other. Suchconventional systems charge for services provided to the users by thesystem, so as to realise profit therefrom.

The V3.0 release of the Vote-for-Me service comprises the followingfeatures. The online nature of the service enables a controlledexpansion and extension of the service internationally, thereby enablinginternational syndicates of users to be formed. Schools, colleges,universities, not-for-profit organisations and commercial organisationsmay be rewarded for use of the service. Existing users and/or sponsorsof the service may reward and further motivate additional users. Thesystem allows networked communities of users to evolve, and, as such,marketing (e.g. viral marketing) can be targeted at such communities tomaximise impact. For example, marketing can be targeted at those mostlikely to vote or participate. Partners and users of the system may adda co-branded voting “booth” to their websites, and be rewarded for doingso. User-generated content is stored in a freely-searchable interactivedatabase, however opinions and intellectual property generated by theusers may be sold to interested organisations for profit. The users ofthe system may be categorised in a number of different ways (forexample, by geography, occupation, age, or sex) which enables targetedsponsorship, advertising and market-research opportunities.

One aim of such online voting systems, apart from the generation ofmarketable opinions and other intellectual property, is the maximisingof profit or other value therefrom. Such profit and value can bemaximised by increasing the number of users of the system, and byincreasing the use rate of the system made by existing and new users.However, in conventional online voting systems, there are nosatisfactory methods for motivating new users to join the system, and/orto motivate existing or new users to use the system more.

Another aim of such online voting systems is to create an environmentthat is easy to use both from the point of view of the system itself,and from the point of view of users of the system. Conventional systemscan be cumbersome to use and to manage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems, methods and computer programsfor use in a network-based voting system with the aim of increasing thenumber of users of the system, increasing the use rate of the system byeach user, and ultimately maximising profit or other value derivedtherefrom. The network may, for example, comprise the Internet, suchthat the system is an online voting system. The present invention alsorelates to code carried by a signal or held on a carrier medium whichwhen executed on a computing device provides a display element and/or aweb page for a user of the system.

According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer-implemented method of stimulating (e.g.encouraging and/or promoting) use of a network-based voting system, themethod comprising transmitting user-specific ranking information to auser of the system.

One advantageous result of such a method is the benefit derivedtherefrom by the user. Such information may be useful to the userenabling him (or, once and for all, her) to keep up-to-date withactivity occurring within the system. Such information may relatedirectly to the user concerned (e.g. to how many votes he has), orrelate to other activity as specified by that user. That user may, forexample, be interested in how many votes another user has (for exampleif they are competing to win a prize).

Another advantageous result of such a method is the generation ofinterest in the system, and thereby an increase in use thereof, andultimately an increase in profit derived therefrom. The receipt of suchranking information by a user of the system may advantageously serve asa reminder of the system, and thereby motivate further use thereof. Asmentioned above, such information may relate to how many votes and/orpoints the user has been credited with. The information may relate to anamount of money held for said user. Such money may be held in an accountregistered within the system.

The information may be update information, updating the user as to, forexample, the current number of votes and/or points attributed to thatuser. A user of the system may be notified by such ranking informationas to how many votes his manifesto or opinions have received. If theuser has received a large number of votes, he may be encouraged to‘brag’ (or boast) about his high level of votes to his friends orcolleagues. Such bragging (or boasting) may encourage that user toincrease his use of the system to try to obtain more votes, for exampleto try to win one of a number of prizes awarded to users with a highnumber of votes. Such prizes could include, for example, holidays,experiences, property, or cash. Such bragging may also encourage hisfriends and colleagues to try to obtain more votes for themselves inorder to compete with him. Alternatively, if the user has received a lownumber of votes, he may be encouraged to try to convince his friends andcolleagues to vote for him so as to increase his number of votes. Thenumber of votes possessed by a user may be linked to a number of pointsor an amount of revenue awarded to the user. In summary, the delivery ofsuch ranking information may serve to increase the use made of thesystem by the users.

Preferably, such ranking information is delivered to the user withoutinstigation from the user. Preferably, such delivery is effected via anelectronic communication network to terminal equipment of the user. Thismethod of delivery may be faster and more reliable than, for example,delivery by post. The ranking information may advantageously bedelivered to the telephone (mobile or fixed) of a user over a telephonenetwork (e.g. a land line, a cellular, or a satellite network) in theform of an SMS message (text message). The delivery of such SMS messagesmay be advantageous as compared to, for example, the delivery of suchinformation by e-mail. This is because a user is likely to check hisphone, especially if it is a mobile phone, for new messages moreregularly than he checks his e-mail account for new e-mails. It will beappreciated that such messages could also be video, picture, or voicemessages.

Preferably, the user is charged for delivery of said ranking informationso as to generate income. Such charges may only be raised for somedeliveries of such information, or may alternatively be raised for allsuch deliveries. It may, for example, be advantageous to make a numberof deliveries, either initially or per pre-determined period, free ofcharge as a means of marketing the system, and to encourage the user topurchase further such messages.

In the case of certain types of terminal equipment used by users of thesystem, billing systems may already be in place for charging the userfor use of such equipment. In that case, charges for delivery of saidranking information are preferably raised via that billing system. Forexample, in the case of a telephone, charges for receiving theinformation by SMS message may appear on the user's telephone bill. Suchbilling systems allow ease of raising charges to the user, ease ofcollecting revenue therefrom, and allow the user to take advantage ofvoting-system services without having to enter credit-card details orthe like.

According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer-readable medium storing a computer programwhich causes a computer in a network-based voting system to transmituser-specific ranking information to a user of the system.

A computer-readable medium embodying the aforementioned second aspect ofthe present invention may be part of a server of the network-basedvoting system. The computer program may, in that case, be operable tocause the server to transmit user-specific ranking information to theuser. Preferably, the computer program is also operable to generate theuser-specific ranking information for transmission.

A computer-readable medium embodying the aforementioned second aspect ofthe present invention may be part of a communication device of thenetwork-based voting system located on a communication path between thesystem server and a user terminal.

According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention,there is provided a network-based-voting-system server operable to causea communication device to transmit user-specific ranking information toa user of the system.

According to an embodiment of a fourth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a network-based-voting-system server operable togenerate user-specific ranking information and to transmit thatinformation to a user of the system.

According to an embodiment of a fifth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a network-based-voting-system server comprising: aninformation generator operable to generate user-specific rankinginformation; and a transmitter operable to transmit that information toa user of the system.

According to an embodiment of the aforementioned fifth aspect of thepresent invention, there is also provided a network-based-voting-systemserver comprising: information generating means operable to generateuser-specific ranking information; and transmitting means operable totransmit that information to a user of the system.

According to an embodiment of a sixth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a signal generated by a network-based voting system,said signal comprising user-specific ranking information.

According to an embodiment of a seventh aspect of the present invention,there is provided a user terminal of a network-based voting system, theuser terminal comprising a memory having user-specific rankinginformation stored therein. The user terminal may be any electroniccommunication device, for example a personal computer, a mobiletelephone, a PDA, or a television set-top box.

According to an embodiment of an eighth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer-implemented method of identifying(verifying and authenticating) a registered user of a network-basedvoting system, the method comprising: prior to carrying out atransaction with a person over a communication link, obtainingterminal-equipment identification data from terminal equipment of thatperson; and identifying the person as said registered user of the systemin dependence upon the terminal-equipment identification data alone.

Typically, users of conventional network-based voting systems, forexample of conventional online voting systems, must remember one or morepasswords or numbers and supply them to those systems in order to beidentified, verified and/or authenticated. This is disadvantageous forusers of such conventional systems as it places a significant burden onsuch users to memorise many different numbers, particularly if the useruses a plurality of such systems. A further disadvantage of suchconventional systems for their users is that the process ofidentification is rendered cumbersome by the need to supply suchpasswords or numbers. Users generally must enter those numbers using akeyboard or keypad, or recite them to an operator over a telephone line,in order to be identified. Accordingly, a substantial delay is causedfor each transaction in such conventional systems which may be seen byusers as a disincentive to use those conventional systems. Thesefeatures of conventional voting systems are also disadvantageous for thesystems' administrators in terms of the system design, and itsoperation. It is inconvenient and inefficient to need to identify a userthrough a series of password input operations. These operations arenaturally time consuming and lead to an inefficient operation of thesystem.

One advantageous result of a method embodying the aforementioned eighthaspect of the present invention is that it removes the need for a userto enter passwords or numbers when carrying out a system transaction. Ithas been envisaged that there are a number of possible systemtransactions that a user may engage in, for which it is not necessary toidentify the user by means of rigorous identification methods (as in theabove-mentioned conventional systems). In those cases, it may beacceptable for a person to be identified as a registered user independence on the terminal equipment used by that person.

Typically, when user terminal equipment communicates with a server (orother system administration equipment) in order to allow the user tocarry out a system transaction, terminal-equipment identification datais sent to the server to set-up a communication link. Accordingly, assuch data is typically available to the server, it is advantageous touse that data alone to identify the person as a registered user, i.e.without requiring any information to be entered by the user.

Preferably, the identification of the person as being the registereduser is carried out before the transaction is carried out. This mayallow data (for example a number of points, votes, or an amount of cash,credited to that user) to be sent to the user before the transaction iscarried out. The user may base the transaction on this data. Optionally,however, the identification data may be obtained before the transactionis carried out, and the identification may be made thereafter, eitherimmediately or at some other later time. In that case, invalidtransactions (for example if the identification is unsuccessful) may becancelled at that later time. This may be suitable for transactions inwhich the user does not need any information on which to base thetransaction.

Preferably, a record of valid terminal-equipment identification data forthe registered user is maintained in the system records, such that aperson may be identified as the registered user by comparing theobtained terminal-equipment identification data with the validterminal-equipment identification data.

Preferably, the terminal equipment is a telephone or PDA, in which casethe terminal-equipment identification data is preferably a telephonenumber (or other similar number) of the telephone or PDA. Such data maybe entered by the user (and stored in system records) when registeringto use the voting system. In the case of other types of terminalequipment, for example personal computers or television set-top boxes,the terminal-equipment identification data may be an identifieridentifying that computer on a communication network, for example an IP(Internet Protocol) number.

According to an embodiment of a ninth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer-readable medium having anetwork-based-voting-system computer program for identifying aregistered user of a network-based voting system stored therein, saidcomputer program comprising: a first program portion operable, prior tocarrying out a transaction with a person over a communication link, toobtain terminal-equipment identification data from terminal equipment ofthat person; and a second program portion operable to identify theperson as said registered user of the system in dependence upon theterminal-equipment identification data alone.

A computer-readable medium embodying the aforementioned ninth aspect ofthe present invention may be part of a server of the network-basedvoting system. The computer program may, in that case, be operable tocause the server to obtain terminal-equipment identification data fromterminal equipment of that person, and to identify the person as saidregistered user of the system in dependence upon the terminal-equipmentidentification data alone.

According to an embodiment of a tenth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a network-based-voting-system server comprising: areceiver operable, prior to carrying out a transaction with a personover a communication link, to obtain terminal-equipment identificationdata from terminal equipment of that person; and an identifier operableto identify the person as said registered user of the system independence upon the terminal-equipment identification data alone.

According to an embodiment of the aforementioned tenth aspect of thepresent invention, there is also provided a network-based-voting-systemserver comprising: receiving means operable, prior to carrying out atransaction with a person over a communication link, to obtainterminal-equipment identification data from terminal equipment of thatperson; and identification means operable to identify the person as saidregistered user of the system in dependence upon the terminal-equipmentidentification data alone.

According to an embodiment of an eleventh aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a network-based voting system comprising aserver and a terminal equipment, wherein: the terminal equipmentcomprises a transmitter operable to transmit terminal-equipmentidentification data identifying that equipment to the server over acommunication link; and the server comprises: a receiver operable, priorto carrying out a transaction with a person having said terminalequipment, to obtain the transmitted terminal-equipment identificationdata; and an identifier operable to identify the person as saidregistered user of the system in dependence upon the terminal-equipmentidentification data alone.

According to an embodiment of the aforementioned eleventh aspect of thepresent invention, there is also provided a network-based voting systemcomprising a server and a terminal equipment, wherein: the terminalequipment comprises transmitting means operable to transmitterminal-equipment identification data identifying that equipment to theserver over a communication link; and the server comprises: receivingmeans operable, prior to carrying out a transaction with a person havingsaid terminal equipment, to obtain the transmitted terminal-equipmentidentification data; and identification means operable to identify theperson as said registered user of the system in dependence upon theterminal-equipment identification data alone.

According to an embodiment of a twelfth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a method of stimulating use of a network-based votingsystem, the method comprising: maintaining a prize fund from whichmonetary prizes may be periodically awarded in a prize draw; financingat least a part of the prize fund with lottery syndicate ownership, suchthat lottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into the prize fund; andentering a user of the system into the prize draw based on a use of thesystem related to that user.

Preferably, at least the maintaining of the prize fund and the enteringof the user in the prize draw are implemented by a computer, for exampleby a server of the network-based voting system. Optionally, a methodembodying the aforementioned twelfth aspect of the present invention isa computer-implemented method.

It is advantageous to finance at least part, and possibly all, of aprize fund with syndicate ownership. Such syndicate ownership may bepartial or full syndicate ownership. Supranational, national, and statelotteries commonly have multi-million dollar (or other currencydepending on the nation concerned) jackpots, and this may serve as areal attraction to users. Accordingly, it is likely that more use of thesystem will be made by such users to enable them to be entered into theprize draw. This extra use of the system may be beneficial to the systemadministrators and owners as it may generate more income therefrom.Furthermore, the method enables the administrators to market thenetwork-based voting system based on the chance of winning such asubstantial jackpot, or a share thereof, without having to put up theprize money themselves.

Optionally, a user may be entered into the prize draw if a use of thevoting system made by that user has exceeded a predetermined level.Optionally, a user may be entered into the prize draw if a number ofpoints credited to that user has exceeded a predetermined level.Optionally, a user may be entered into the prize draw if a number ofvotes credited to that user by other users has exceeded a predeterminedlevel. Optionally, a user may be entered into the prize draw if anamount of revenue generated for the system by that user has exceeded apredetermined level. Optionally, a user may be entered into the prizedraw if an amount of cash paid into a system account of that user,either by the system or by the user or by any other party, has exceededa predetermined level. Accordingly, a user may be entered into the prizedraw based on either activity of that user, or based on the activity ofother users (for example voting for that user's manifesto, opinions,polls, or surveys).

A method according to an embodiment of the aforementioned twelfth aspectof the present invention is preferably applicable to a national(federal) or state vote, for example to an election, such as a generalelection. Such an election may be, for example, for a State Governor, orfor the position of U.S. President. It is envisaged that the applicationof such a method thereto may have the advantageous effect of motivatinga large proportion of the voting population to vote, due to theincentive of a possible jackpot prize. Low voter turn-out is arecognised problem throughout the world.

According to an embodiment of a twelfth aspect of the present invention,there is provided a computer-readable medium having anetwork-based-voting-system computer program for stimulating use of anetwork-based voting system stored therein, the computer programcomprising: a first program portion operable to maintain a prize fundfrom which monetary prizes may be periodically awarded in a prize draw,at least a part of the prize fund being financed with lottery syndicateownership such that lottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into theprize fund; and a second program portion operable to enter a user of thesystem into the prize draw based on a use of the system related to thatuser.

According to an embodiment of a thirteenth aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a server of a network-based voting systemadapted for stimulating use of said system, the server comprising: afirst unit operable to maintain a prize fund from which monetary prizesmay be periodically awarded in a prize draw, at least a part of theprize fund being financed with lottery syndicate ownership such thatlottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into the prize fund; and asecond unit operable to enter a user of the system into the prize drawbased on a use of the system related to that user.

According to an embodiment of the aforementioned thirteenth aspect ofthe present invention, there is also provided a server of anetwork-based voting system adapted for stimulating use of said system,the server comprising: first means operable to maintain a prize fundfrom which monetary prizes may be periodically awarded in a prize draw,at least a part of the prize fund being financed with lottery syndicateownership such that lottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into theprize fund; and second means operable to enter a user of the system intothe prize draw based on a use of the system related to that user.

According to an embodiment of a fourteenth aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a computer-implemented method of sharingrevenues generated by users of a network-based voting system with thoseusers, the method comprising: apportioning a share of said revenues to afirst one of said users in dependence upon use made of the voting systemrelating to the first user; and if the first user was introduced to thevoting system by a second one of said users, apportioning a part of saidshare to the second user.

Advantageously, such a method may encourage existing users to introducenew users to the system so as to increase an amount of user-generatedrevenues apportioned to those existing users.

Preferably, a user of the voting system may use a communication deviceto access the voting system. Furthermore, that user must preferably payvia a billing system for use of said communication device. In that case,a method according to the aforementioned thirteenth aspect of thepresent invention preferably further comprises using said billing systemto charge that user for services provided to him/her by the votingsystem so as to generate said revenues.

The use of such an existing billing system is advantageous due to therelative ease with charges may be raised, and the ease with whichrevenues so generated may be collected. Additionally, it is consideredadvantageous for system administrators to not have to send out invoicesto users, and for users to not have to, for example, enter credit carddetails or the like every time a service to be paid for is used.

Preferably, a method according to the aforementioned fourteenth aspectof the present invention further comprises maintaining, for each of aplurality of said users, a record of one or more parties to which atleast part of any user-generated revenues allocated to the userconcerned should be distributed; enabling each said user having such arecord to update his/her record from time to time; and when a user'sallocated revenues are to be distributed, distributing those revenues toeach party specified in his/her record.

Users may be attracted to an online voting system employing such amethod as it enables them to individually select a party (for example, acharity or a family member) to which a (specifiable) proportion of theirallocated revenues should be distributed.

According to an embodiment of a fifteenth aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having anetwork-based-voting-system computer program for sharing revenuesgenerated by users of a network-based voting system with those usersstored therein, the computer program comprising: a first program portionoperable to apportion a share of said revenues to a first one of saidusers in dependence upon use made of the voting system relating to thefirst user; and a second program portion operable, if the first user wasintroduced to the voting system by a second one of said users, toapportion a part of said share to the second user.

According to an embodiment of a sixteenth aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a server of a network-based voting systemadapted for sharing revenues generated by users of the system with thoseusers, the server comprising: a first apportioner operable to apportiona share of said revenues to a first one of said users in dependence uponuse made of the voting system relating to the first user; and a secondapportioner operable, if the first user was introduced to the votingsystem by a second one of said users, to apportion a part of said shareto the second user.

According to an embodiment of the aforementioned sixteenth aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided a server of a network-based votingsystem adapted for sharing revenues generated by users of the systemwith those users, the server comprising: first apportioning meansoperable to apportion a share of said revenues to a first one of saidusers in dependence upon use made of the voting system relating to thefirst user; and second apportioning means operable, if the first userwas introduced to the voting system by a second one of said users, toapportion a part of said share to the second user.

According to an embodiment of a seventeenth aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided, in a network-based voting system, acomputer-implemented method of distributing money to at least one party,the method comprising: maintaining, for each of a plurality of users ofthe system, a record of one or more parties to which at least part ofany user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned should bedistributed; enabling each said user having such a record to updatehis/her record from time to time; and when a user's allocated revenuesare to be distributed, distributing those revenues to each partyspecified in his/her record.

Preferably, the or each said party is a charity. Preferably, such arecord is maintained for each user of the system. Preferably, for eachsaid party in each said record, there is maintained data indicating whatproportion of the allocated revenues should be distributed to the partyconcerned.

According to an embodiment of an eighteenth aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a computer-readable medium having anetwork-based-voting-system computer program for distributing money toat least one party stored therein, the program comprising: a firstprogram portion operable to maintain, for each of a plurality of usersof the system, a record of one or more parties to which at least part ofany user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned should bedistributed; a second program portion operable to enable each said userhaving such a record to update his/her record from time to time; and athird program portion operable, when a user's allocated revenues are tobe distributed, to distribute those revenues to each party specified inhis/her record.

According to an embodiment of a nineteenth aspect of the presentinvention, there is provided a server of a network-based-voting-systemadapted for distributing money to at least one party, the servercomprising: a first unit operable to maintain, for each of a pluralityof users of the system, a record of one or more parties to which atleast part of any user-generated revenues allocated to the userconcerned should be distributed; a second unit operable to enable eachsaid user having such a record to update his/her record from time totime; and a third unit operable, when a user's allocated revenues are tobe distributed, to distribute those revenues to each party specified inhis/her record.

According to an embodiment of the aforementioned nineteenth aspect ofthe present invention, there is also provided a server of anetwork-based-voting-system adapted for distributing money to at leastone party, the server comprising: first means operable to maintain, foreach of a plurality of users of the system, a record of one or moreparties to which at least part of any user-generated revenues allocatedto the user concerned should be distributed; second means operable toenable each said user having such a record to update his/her record fromtime to time; and third means operable, when a user's allocated revenuesare to be distributed, to distribute those revenues to each partyspecified in his/her record.

It is envisaged that the following advantageous features may be thebasis of further aspects of the present invention, either alone or incombination with other features disclosed herein.

A user of the network-based voting system may be able to acquire apartial ownership of the company (or other similar entity) providing thevoting system. Such ownership may take the form of ownership of companyshares. The share of ownership available to a user may be dependent on ause made of the system related to that user. Such a use may be a use ofthe system by that user, or by other users (for example voting for thatuser). It is envisaged that this acquisition of ownership by users ofthe voting system may act as an incentive for those users to remain asusers of that system (as opposed to moving to become users of anothervoting system). It is also envisaged that such users are more likely tointroduce new users to the voting system to try to increase a value oftheir ownership, for example to increase a value of company shares. Suchuser are also more likely to try to increase a use of the system made byexisting and new users for similar reasons.

Users of the network-based voting system may be treated as equals. Thisis significantly different to normal society in which the opinions ofcertain individuals carry more weight than those of other suchindividuals. It is envisaged that, by treating users as equals, usersmay be encouraged to submit more opinions (i.e. use the system more), astheir opinions will be judged based on merit alone.

Due to the nature of network-based voting systems, the present inventionis intended to include any combination of any of the aforementionedaspects of the present invention, and/or any of the aforementionedpreferable features thereof. The present invention is also intended toinclude combinations of the features disclosed below in the detaileddescription of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an online voting system in whichembodiments of the present invention may be employed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic overview of the operation of the FIG. 1 votingsystem.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the range of services provided by theFIG. 1 voting system.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method embodying the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an image of information transmitted by the FIG. 4 method.

FIG. 6 is an image of other information transmitted by the FIG. 4method.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method embodying the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram representing a method embodying thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method embodying the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram representing a method embodying thepresent invention.

FIGS. 11 to 26 are examples of web pages, or images therefrom, in whichembodiments of the present invention have been employed.

VOTING SYSTEM

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an online voting system 1 in whichembodiments of the present invention may be employed. An example of sucha voting system 1 is the V4.0 release of the Vote-for-Me service(replacing the aforementioned V3.0 release, and to be located atwww.Vote-for-Me.com, or www.votivation.com ). The voting system 1comprises a voting system server 2 connected to the Internet 4, anoptional external system storage 6, a plurality of user computers 8, awired phone service provider 10, a plurality of user phones 12 served bythe wired phone service provider 10, a cellular network provider 14, aplurality of user cellular devices 16 served by the cellular networkprovider 14, a cable or satellite service provider 18, and a pluralityof user units 20 served by the cable or satellite service provider 18.

The voting system 1 is distributed over a network, in this case over theInternet. Accordingly, a large number of users may access the votingsystem server 2 via the Internet 4 using a plurality of different typesof user equipment 8, 12, 16, and 20. It will be appreciated, however,that it is not necessary for such a plurality of users to access thevoting system server 2 at any one time, although this is of coursepossible. For example, at a particular time there may only be one or twousers accessing the voting system server 2 via one or two correspondinguser computers 8.

The voting system's predominant role is to provide a voting service(hereinafter “the Service”) to users of the system. The Servicecomprises a number of constituent services provided to the user to bediscussed below with reference to FIG. 3. The term “user” is intended toinclude customers or clients of the service i.e. registered paying usersand non-registered users, as well as system administrators. The Serviceis predominantly provided from the voting system server 2, and anyoptional external system storages 6. The voting system server 2 may be asingle device, or may comprise a plurality of devices distributed overthe Internet 4. Similarly, the optional external system storage 6 may bea single device, or may comprise a plurality of devices distributed overthe Internet 4. There may also be a plurality of wired phone serviceproviders 10, a plurality of cellular network providers 14, and aplurality of cable or satellite service providers, for example locatedin different countries. It will be appreciated that, in view of theflexibility of the Internet 4, the components of the online votingsystem 1 may be spread across the world, or alternatively all located ina single country or state.

The Service may be provided to users in a number of different formats.Primarily, the Service is provided in the form of web-pages, supplied tousers over the Internet 4 in the form of HTML code (or other similarlanguage) and viewable using web-browser software on a user computer 8.The Service may similarly be provided to users' cellular devices 16having a WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) or other similar capability. TheService may similarly be accessible from a television set of a user ineither a read-only format, or in an interactive format (for example ifthe user receives a cable or satellite service). It will therefore beappreciated that embodiments of the present invention comprise code andsignals transmittable to a user of the Service.

System Operation

FIG. 2 is a schematic overview of the operation of the online votingsystem 1. Generally, users commencing use of the Service fall into oneof two categories. Such users may be “referred users” 30, or“non-referred users” 32. Referred users 30 are generally new users, andhave been referred to the Service by another party. For example, such anew user may be referred to the online voting system 1 from a link onanother website 34, or from a link in a received e-mail 36, or in someother way 38. Examples of other referrals 38 are responding to a text,voice or other message, referral by word-of-mouth, or by responding toan advert placed, for example, in a publication or broadcast on atelevision or radio service. A non-referred user 32 may be, for example,a new user 40 joining the voting system 1 having navigated to itshomepage (main web page) by chance, or an existing user 42 already awareof the Service.

Generally, users will approach the Service (i.e. join the online votingsystem 1) via its homepage 50. Any user may proceed without logging in52, in which case they may use a limited range of the constituentservices 54 provided by the voting system, until such time as they arefinished 56. Registered users may log in 58 to use the Service. If auser successfully logs in 60, then he may use the full range of theconstituent services 62 provided by the online voting system 1. At suchtime as a logged-in registered user may wish to conclude his use of theService, he may log out 64 (or be automatically logged out) at the end66 of such use. The logging-in process 58, typically involves aregistered user entering a user name and password. However, such aregistered user may log in using other methods, to be described laterwith reference to FIG. 7.

Preferably, a new user will decide to register 70 for full use of thevoting service. Such registration will conclude a recruitment of theuser into the population database of the voting service. Suchregistration requires the new user to submit a mobile/cell phone number,amongst a number of further personal details. Additionally, the user isrequired to set out a statement via a range of standardised questions,the objective of which is to briefly sum up for other users the generalnature of that user's political, social, economic, religious, leisure orother beliefs. Together, these inputs are included in, and presentedvia, the user's “manifesto”. A user may subsequently amend or add to hismanifesto or other personal details at any time, to be described later.

A further part of the registration process is the recordal of a referrer(if the new user is a referred user 30) to be credited with referringthat user to the Service. This information may be entered by the newuser or may be entered automatically. For example, if the new user wasreferred to the voting service via a link in an e-mail, or via a link inanother website, those links may have embedded within them codeidentifying the originator (e.g. the owner of the other website or thesender of the e-mail) that allows the Service to identify the referrerand enter his details automatically. This link between the new user anda referrer will be the basis for a financial relationship therebetween,to be discussed later.

The benefit of such registration 70 for the new user is to enable theuser to take advantage of the full range of services 62, and to start toaccumulate revenues and points. The registration process 70 benefits theservice itself by ensuring the uniqueness and quality of the new user'sgenerated opinions, voting, referring and other activities.Additionally, as registered users are required to pay for the use ofcertain system services, such registration will lead to increasedrevenue and profits for the owners of the Service.

Within the registration process 70, the user may confirm whether or nothis manifesto, views and/or opinions may be communicated to appropriateparties, such as governments, elected officials, elected candidates,corporate entities, television and other media organisations, andnon-profit organisations (including charities, trade associations andeducational establishments, and their agencies). The communication ofsuch user-generated material to such appropriate parties may generate asource of income for the owners of the voting service.

The registration process 70 is confirmed 72 by the sending by theService and receipt by the user of an e-mail including a link, which theuser must then click or otherwise visit. In this way, the user will bedirected to an area that securely enables the unique association betweenthe user's identification within the service database and the user'se-mail address. Additionally, or alternatively, the registration process70 may be similarly confirmed 72 by the sending by the voting serviceand the return by the user of a text or other message via a hand-held orportable communication device of the user. Such devices may include, forexample, mobile/cell telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) andother such devices. If the registration is confirmed, the user mayproceed to complete his manifesto 74 as above-mentioned. If, however,the registration is not confirmed, the user may not proceed.

On completion of the manifesto 74, a decision is made as to whether theuser was referred to the Service 76, as mentioned above. If the new userwas referred to the Service, a link between the new user and thereferrer is stored 78 in the database of the voting system. Thiscompletes the registration process, and the new user is registered 80.The new user may then log in 58, and ultimately use the full range ofservices 62 of the voting service, or may conclude use thereof 66.

Range of Services

FIG. 3 is a schematic overview of the range of constituent services 100provided by the online voting system 1. As mentioned above, any user mayuse a limited range of the services without logging in. However, aregistered user may log in and use the full range of services 100. Theprovided services comprise enabling a user to: view content 102; votefor content 104; set up content 106; amend his manifesto 108; amend hisprofile 110; add files to his manifesto 112; add files to other content114; promote market or distribute 116; search a database 118; receive astandard set of alerts 120; manage services or his account 122; create avbooth 124; and communicate 126. Services 102 and 104 may, for example,be the only services available to non-logged-in users.

Users may view and browse 102 opinions, polls and surveys submitted tothe service by other users. This information may be presented to theuser on a web page, or be downloadable therefrom. Such users may alsovote for the opinions, polls and surveys of other users, suchfunctionality being provided on web pages of the service or on anysimilar interactive medium.

Registered users may set up 106 and submit their own content to beviewed by other users of the service. Such users may generate and submittheir own opinions, polls, and surveys for other users to view and votefor.

A logged-on user may amend his manifesto 108, for example if the generalnature of his political, social, economic, religious, leisure or otherbeliefs has changed. He may also amend his profile 110, for example ifany of his personal details have changed.

A logged-on user may add files to his manifesto 112, for example audiofiles, video files, graphic files, or text files. Such a user may, forexample, want to add digital photos, spreadsheets, presentations, orother files. That user may also want to add such files to other createdcontent 114, for example to opinions, polls, surveys, or other content.

A user may promote, market, and/or distribute his opinions, polls, andsurveys using a number of marketing facilities provided by the service.Such facilities may include copying the web address of his own (or ofother users') opinions, surveys and polls into an e-mail. Such promotionmay increase the chance of other users voting for his own generatedcontent.

Certain types of information supplied or submitted by users is stored inone or more databases which are searchable. Such information, inaddition to the opinions, polls, and surveys, may include details fromthe manifestos submitted by system users. Accordingly, users may search118 the database(s) to find wanted information.

A registered user may receive a number of standard alerts 120. Suchalerts may be provided, for example, in the form of an e-mail, or in theform of a text message sent to a mobile communication device of theuser. The alerts may, for example, contain information updating the useras to how many points he has received, and/or how many votes he hasreceived in respect of his manifesto, or his opinions, polls, orsurveys. The alerts may inform the user of activity relating to otherusers, to activity relating to the award of prizes by the service fromtime to time, or any other activity of interest to the user. Examples ofsuch alerts are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The records held in the system database for each user detail thoseservices that the user concerned wishes to receive automatically, andmaintain a record of the points and votes held by the user. A user maymanage his services or his account 122 by accessing those records from apersonal user service management area. He may add to, amend, or cancelsome or all service elements that he is registered for. For example, hemay decide to request (and pay for) further alerts in addition to thestandard set of alerts automatically provided.

The user may create 124 and add a pop-up or other browser web link, forexample called a voting booth (Vbooth™, V-Booth™, or VBooth™) to hiswebsite, blog (web log), or other web-based page. The user may alsopurchase “keywords” to add to his link or voting booth so that itdisplays content, opinions, surveys and polls generated by the Serviceonly, or largely relevant to those keywords. The user may also pay forhis voting booth to be coloured, rendered, graphically enhanced,stylised, or otherwise re-designed so that it reflects a “branding”presentation of his choice. This service (and other system services) maybe obtainable for free.

The user may communicate with other users 126. For example, he mayengage in live web chat (or telephony, computer-computer communication,or VoIP) with other users, or contact them via e-mail, mobile phonemessaging, or simply over the phone.

For each activity (e.g. creating setting up content 106, or voting 104)conducted by a user, he may be awarded points that are accumulated inhis records or account as mentioned above. The accumulated points areconvertible into entries into regular or one-off prize draws. Theavailable prizes may be cash prizes.

For each activity conducted by a user that generates revenue (e.g.purchasing further alerts, or other content or services) for or throughthe Service, a share of those revenues is awarded to the user. Theseshares are then accumulated in the user's records or account. Theaccumulated cash may be withdrawn by the user through payment by theService to the user via bank transfer, cheque or other method asstipulated by the service or the user. The accumulated revenues may beconverted into actual shares in the company owning the service on termsstipulated by the board of the company. Accordingly, users may acquireownership of a proportion of the Service, based on use of the Service.The Service itself may generate further revenues through the sale ofadvertising spaces in web pages provided by the Service, and theinclusion of sponsored links to other websites therein.

If a particular user is registered as having been referred to theService by a referrer, a proportion of any points or revenues awarded tothat user will be awarded to the referrer.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 130 embodying the present invention.The method 130 comprises a single step 132. In step 132, user-specificranking information is transmitted to a user of the voting system 1. Themethod 130 may be part of service 120 of FIG. 3, and cause a standardalert to be transmitted to the user. The method 130 may also be part ofservice 122 of FIG. 3, and cause an alert requested by one user to betransmitted to that user, or to another user.

Method 130 is preferably carried out within the voting system server 2.Method 130 may additionally, or alternatively, be carried out within oneor more devices of the Internet 4, the wired phone service provider 10,the cellular network provider 14, or the cable or satellite serviceprovider 18.

FIG. 5 is an image 140 of part of a user cellular device 16. The image140 shows a display part 142 displaying an example of user-specificranking information 144 (an alert) as received by the cellular device 16from the voting system server 2 via the cellular network provider 14.

The user-specific ranking information 144 informs the user that the “Topopinion rank: 64/563”, and that the “Votes Rec'd: 158”, and that theinformation is from the Service provided by “votivation.com”.

FIG. 6 is an image 150 of the same part of the user cellular device 16shown in FIG. 5. Accordingly, the image 150 shows a display part 142.The display part 142 displays an example of user-specific rankinginformation 154 (an alert) as received by the cellular device 16 fromthe voting system server 2 via the cellular network provider 14.

The user-specific ranking information 154 is clearly addressed to aspecific user called “Joe”; the message is addressed “Dear Joe”. Theuser “Joe” is thereby informed as follows: “Your Ranking: 44/1921”, and“Votes Rec'd: 342”. By means of the user-specific ranking information154, the user “Joe” is reminded of the Service, and is informed that heis ranked 44th out of 1921, and that he has received 342 votes.

The user “Joe” may be pleased with his ranking and be encouraged toforward (or show) the SMS message 154 to other users, so as to brag.Alternatively, he may not be pleased with his ranking and be encouragedto promote his manifesto, opinions, polls, and/or surveys to gain morevotes or points.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method 160 embodying the present invention.The method 160 comprises two steps 162 and 164. In step 162,terminal-equipment identification data is obtained from terminalequipment of a person seeking to carry out a system transaction. Thetransaction may be part of any of the range of services 100 discussedabove with respect to FIG. 3. The method then proceeds to step 164. Instep 164, the person is identified as a registered user of the system independence upon the terminal-equipment identification data alone.

Method 160 is preferably carried out in the voting system server 2. Theterminal equipment may be any of a user computer 8, a user telephone 12,a user cellular device 16, a user unit 20, or any other equipmentcapable of communicating with the voting system server 2. Theterminal-equipment identification data may be any data uniquelyidentifying the equipment concerned.

Method 160 may, for example, enable a user to vote (service 104) formanifestos, polls and surveys etc. from his mobile telephone withoutneeding to log-in 58 to the system via the service homepage 50. Thisease of voting may encourage an increased level of use of the system.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a method 170 embodying the presentinvention. Method 170 comprises maintaining a prize fund 172 from whichmonetary prizes may be periodically awarded in a prize draw 173. Atleast a part of the prize fund 172 is financed with lottery syndicateownership 174. Accordingly, any winnings of a lottery syndicate are paidinto the prize fund 172. A user of the online voting system 1 may beentered 176 into the periodic prize draw 173 based on a use of thesystem related to that user.

The user-related use of the voting system 1 necessary to enable thatuser to be entered into the prize draw 173, may be use of any of therange of services 100 of FIG. 3. That use may be use by the userconcerned, for example that user submitting opinions or polls orsurveys, or use by another user, for example voting for his opinions,polls or surveys.

FIG. 9 is a flow-chart of a method 180 embodying the present invention.The method 180 comprises three steps 182, 184, and 186. In step 182, ashare of revenues generated by users of the online voting system 1 isapportioned to a first user in dependence upon use made of the votingsystem relating to that first user. In step 184, a decision is made asto whether that first user was introduced to the online voting system 1by a second user. If the first user was so introduced, the method 180proceeds to step 186, in which a portion of that share is apportioned tothat second user. The method 180 then terminates. If the first user wasnot introduced to the online voting system 1 by a second user, themethod 180 also terminates.

The use made of the online voting system 1 relating to the first usermay be use of the system by the first user, or alternatively use of thesystem by other users, for example voting for that first user. The usemay be use of any of the range of services 100 discussed above withreference to FIG. 3.

It will be appreciated that the method of FIG. 9 may be scaled upwardseither vertically or horizontally. For example, one user may havereferred a plurality of users and may thus obtain a portion of each ofthose user's shares. Alternatively, for example, the second user mayhave been referred by a third user. In that case, the third user mayreceive a portion of the second user's share (and thereby also receive aportion of the first user's share), or the third user may obtain aportion of the first user's share and/or of the second user's sharedirectly.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a method 190 embodying the presentinvention. As part of the method 190, a record 192 is maintained, foreach of a plurality of users 194 of the online voting system 1, of oneor more parties 196 to which at least part of any user-generatedrevenues allocated to the user concerned should be distributed. Fromtime to time, each said user 194 having such a record 192 may update 198his/her record. For example, a user 194 may update the number of parties196 stored in his record 192, or change the names of those parties 196stored in his record 192. Additionally, the user 194 may update 198 theamount or proportion of his revenues that should be allocated to eachspecified party 196.

When a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed, those revenuesare distributed to each party specified in his record. This distributionmay be done regularly, or at the request of the user. Alternatively,this distribution may be made when a user's revenues have reached apredetermined level.

The methods of FIGS. 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are implemented in the votingsystem server 2 of the online voting system 1. Accordingly, thosemethods are implemented by means of one or more computer programs storedwithin, or accessible by, the voting system server 2.

FIGS. 11 to 26 are examples of web pages provided from the voting systemserver 2, or images therefrom, in which embodiments of the presentinvention have been employed. These examples are useful for gaining abetter understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an example homepage of the online voting system 1. Such ahomepage may, for example, be stored within the voting system server 2,and viewed by a user of the system on a user's personal computer 8.

The homepage is shown in a not-logged-in state. The homepage comprises alog-in area 200, which indicates that no user is logged in with thephrase “you are not logged in”. Accordingly, a user may log in byentering his user name 202, and his password 204, in the boxes provided.

The homepage of FIG. 11 displays an opinion of the day 210, and a numberof further opinions 212. A number of buttons 214 are provided to enablea user to vote for the opinions displayed. In the present example, anyuser may vote for any opinion 212, 214 without logging in.

The homepage of FIG. 11 also displays a “top voters” list, a “opinionformers” list 222, and a “top earners” list 224. Accordingly, anot-logged-in user can view current ranking information by visiting thehomepage of the online voting system 1. The homepage of FIG. 11 alsoincludes a button 230 to enable new users to register to use theService.

FIG. 12 is an example of a web page 250 displayed to a user in order toregister that user to use the online voting system 1. This web page 250includes a number of fields which the user may fill in. The user mayenter a display name 252, his real name 254, his e-mail address 256, hiscell or mobile telephone number 258, his date of birth 260, a password262, his country of origin 264, and optionally how he heard about theonline voting system 266. The information 266 may be used to identify areferrer responsible for referring the new user to the Service.

The web page 250 also includes an information box 270 informing the newuser that the registration will be confirmed with an activation e-mailwith a personalised activation link which must be clicked, and with afree, welcoming, SMS text message containing a keyword, to which the newuser must reply. This process is akin to the process 72 described withrespect to FIG. 2.

At the bottom of the web page 250, are two buttons 272 and 274. The newuser may either reset the form 272, thereby clearing any details enteredby the user, or may register 274 for use of the service using theentered details.

FIG. 13 is an example of a web page 300 which may be presented to anewly-registered user. Web page 300 enables such a newly-registered userto set up his profile. In the present example, the new user is called“spooky 121”.

The web page 300 includes two fields 302 in which the user may enteritems that he loves, and items that he hates. The web page 300 alsoincludes an area in which the user may upload, after completing theform, an image of himself 304. The web page 300 also includes a field306 in which the user may briefly summarise what he would do if he“ruled the world”. In this way, the user can let other users know whathis opinions are, what issues he considers are important, and how hewould like things to be improved.

The web page 300 also includes an area 308 in which he may specify apercentage 310 of his account balance 310 to allocate to a preferredcharity. In field 312, the user may select a particular chosen charity.The present example is directed to a British user, and accordingly, webpage 300 includes an area 314 in which the user may opt to obtain GiftAid UK Tax Relief.

FIG. 14 is an example of a web page 340 which may be presented to aregistered user to summarise his account details. The present example isfor the hypothetical registered user “spooky 121”.

Web page 340 includes an area 342 indicating the user's personaldetails, and includes a photo 344 of the user. In the present case, webpage 340 also indicates that hypothetical user “spooky 121” was referredto the Service by another registered user “spooky 120”.

Web page 340 indicates that the user has chosen to allocate none of hisaccount balance 348 to a preferred charity, and accordingly that nocharity has been selected 350.

Towards the bottom of web page 340, there is a summary 352 of therewards held by the user. The amount of points and cash held by the useris indicated. By clicking the button 354, the user may request a paymentof cash from his account. Web page 340 also includes a summary 356 ofthe number of votes credited to the user, in the present case itemisedas to those received for his profiles, and those received for hisopinions.

FIG. 15 is a further example of a homepage for the online voting system1, similar to the homepage of FIG. 11. In FIG. 15, however, anotherhypothetical user “spook 121” is shown as being logged in. Accordingly,the former log-in area 200 states that “you are logged in as: spook121”. The logged-in user spook 121 may view information 400 concerningthe votes, cash, and points credited to him, and may also view 402 hisprofile, his account, and his prizes.

FIG. 16 is an example of a web page 420, for enabling a user to edit hisprofile. Accordingly, the user may update his personal details 422,update the information indicating his loves and hates 424, updateinformation concerning what he would do if he “ruled the world” 426, andupload a new photo or picture 428 to be displayed in his profile.

FIG. 17 is an example of a web page 430 demonstrating how a user'sprofile may be presented to other users of the system. Web page 430displays the profile of the hypothetical user “spooky 121”.

Web page 430 includes two buttons 432 to enable other users to vote for,or against, the user's profile. Web page 430 also includes an areasummarising the votes 434 and the rewards 436 credited to the userconcerned. A number of links are provided at the bottom of web page 430,to enable other users to visit: the opinions submitted by the userconcerned 438; the opinions that the user concerned has voted for 440;the other users or other people considered “OK” by the user concerned442; and voice messages 444 submitted by the user concerned.

FIG. 18 is an example of a web page 450 which may be presented to a userto enable him to promote his profile. Web page 450 includes an area 452in which the user may enter up to ten e-mail addresses to which apromotional message is to be sent. Additionally, a field 454 is providedin which the user may enter a message to be sent to the entered e-mailaddresses. Web page 450 also reminds the user 456 that he will becredited with a share of any revenues generated by new users referred tothe Service by that user.

FIG. 19 is an example of a web page 460 which may be presented to a userof the online voting system 1 to enable that user to create an opinion.Accordingly, the web page 460 includes a number of fields to enable theuser to enter information specifying “what he thinks and why” 462, atitle for his opinion 464, a category 466 and a sub-category 468 for hisopinion, and an associated region 470 and country 472. Further fields474 also enable the user to enter a number of links to articles relatingto his opinion.

FIG. 20 is an example of a web page 480 which may be presented to a userof the online voting system 1 to summarise his entered opinion.Accordingly, web page 480 identifies his entered opinion and its title482, the category and sub-category relating to the opinion 484, therelated world region and country 486, and the related linked articles488. A button 490 is provided for the user to confirm his opinion.

FIG. 21 is an example of a web page 495 which may be presented to a userof the online voting system 1 to confirm that his opinion has beencreated. Accordingly, web page 495 includes a congratulatory message496, confirming that the opinion has been created, and encouraging theuser to promote his opinion. A button 498 at the bottom of web page 495may be clicked by the user to enable him to promote his opinion.

FIG. 22 is an example of a web page 500 which may be presented to a userof the online voting system 1 to enable him to promote one or more ofhis submitted opinions. Accordingly, web page 500 includes a field 502in which the user may select one or more of his submitted opinions forpromotion. Web page 500 also includes a set of fields 504, in which theuser may specify a number of e-mail addresses to which promotionalmaterial may be sent. Field 506 enables the user to enter a personalisedmessage which will be sent to the entered e-mail addresses. The user maythen click the button 508 to commence the promotion of his opinion(s).

FIG. 23 is an example of a web page 510 which may be presented to a userof the online voting system 1 to display an opinion submitted by anotheruser. Accordingly, web page 510 indicates which user 512 the opinionbelongs to. In the present case, the opinion is an opinion of thehypothetical user “spooky 121”. Web page 510 also displays the title 514of the opinion, the opinion itself 516, a photo of the user whosubmitted the opinion 518, and information and/or links 520 detailingthe category, related region and related articles.

Towards the bottom of the web page 510, there are a series of buttons522 to enable a user to vote for the opinion. The user may agree 524, ordisagree 526 with the opinion. Additionally, the user may submit a“don't know” 528, or a “don't care” 530 vote.

FIG. 24 is an example of a web page 540 which may be displayed to a userof the online voting system 1 to indicate the results of voting for anopinion. Accordingly, web page 540 includes the same information (512,514, 516, 518, and 520) as provided in web page 510. Additionally,however, web page 540 includes a summary 542 of the votes cast for theopinion concerned. In the present case, web page 540 indicates that 56%of voters have agreed with the opinion, 19% have disagreed with theopinion, 11% have cast a “don't know” vote, and 14% have cast a “don'tcare” vote.

FIG. 25 is an example of a web page 550 that may be presented to a userof the online voting system 1 to indicate that they have successfullycreated a personal VBooth. A link for the created VBooth 552 isdisplayed in the centre of web page 550.

FIG. 26 is an example of a web page 560 which may be presented to a userof the online voting system 1 after having clicked the VBooth link 552of FIG. 25. Accordingly, web page 560 indicates that the user hasentered the VBooth of a hypothetical user “slippy”. Web page 560includes facilities to enable the user to vote for opinions, polls,surveys, manifestos, profiles, or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, oras software modules running on one or more processors, or on acombination thereof. That is, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) may be used inpractice to implement some or all of the functionality of a server (orother communication equipment) embodying the present invention. Theinvention may also be embodied as one or more device or apparatusprograms (e.g. computer programs and computer program products) forcarrying out part or all of any of the methods described herein. Suchprograms embodying the present invention may be stored oncomputer-readable media, or could, for example, be in the form of one ormore signals. Such signals may be data signals downloadable from anInternet website, or provided on a carrier signal, or in any other form.

The present invention is applicable to different types of distributedcommunication network and does not necessarily need to be implementedover the Internet 4. For example, the present invention may beimplemented within a private network such as an intranet.

1. A computer-implemented method of stimulating use of a network-basedvoting system, the method comprising transmitting user-specific rankinginformation to a user of the system.
 2. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 1, comprising transmitting said information withoutinstigation of the user.
 3. The computer-implemented method according toclaim 1, comprising delivering said information via an electroniccommunication network to terminal equipment of the user.
 4. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprisingcharging the user for receipt of said information.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising:generating an SMS message comprising said information, for transmissionover a telephone network; and delivering said SMS message to a telephoneof said user over said network.
 6. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 5, further comprising employing a billing system, bywhich the user is charged for use of said telephone, to charge the userfor delivery of said SMS message.
 7. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said information comprises informationrelating to a number of votes and/or points credited to said user. 8.The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein saidinformation comprises information relating to an amount of money heldfor said user.
 9. A computer-readable recording medium storing acomputer program which causes a computer in a network-based votingsystem to generate user-specific ranking information for transmission toa user of the system.
 10. In a network-based voting system in which atleast some users of the system are registered, a computer-implementedmethod of identifying a registered user comprising: prior to carryingout a transaction with a person over a communication link, obtainingterminal-equipment identification data from terminal equipment of thatperson; and identifying the person as a registered user of the system independence upon the terminal-equipment identification data alone. 11.The computer-implemented method according to claim 10, furthercomprising: maintaining a record of valid terminal-equipmentidentification data for each registered user; and identifying the personas a registered user by comparing the obtained terminal-equipmentidentification data with the valid terminal-equipment identificationdata.
 12. The computer-implemented method according to claim 10, whereinthe terminal equipment is a telephone or PDA, and wherein theterminal-equipment identification data is a telephone number of thetelephone or PDA.
 13. A computer-readable recording medium storing acomputer program which causes a computer in a network-based votingsystem, in which at least some users of the system are registered, toidentify a registered user, said computer programs comprising: a firstprogram portion operable, prior to carrying out a transaction with aperson over a communication link, to obtain terminal-equipmentidentification data from terminal equipment of that person; and a secondprogram portion operable to identify the person as a registered user ofthe system in dependence upon the terminal-equipment identification dataalone.
 14. A method of stimulating use of a network-based voting system,the method comprising: maintaining a prize fund from which monetaryprizes are periodically awarded in a prize draw; financing at least apart of the prize fund by means of a lottery syndicate, such thatlottery winnings of the syndicate are paid into the prize fund; andentering a user of the system into the prize draw based on a use of thesystem related to that user.
 15. The method according to claim 14,comprising implementing at least the maintaining of the prize fund andthe entering of the user in the prize draw with a computer.
 16. Themethod according to claim 14, comprising entering a user into the prizedraw if a use of the voting system made by that user has exceeded apredetermined level.
 17. The method according to claim 14, comprisingentering a user into the prize draw if a number of points credited tothat user has exceeded a predetermined level.
 18. The method accordingto claim 14, comprising entering a user into the prize draw if a numberof votes for that user made by other users has exceeded a predeterminedlevel.
 19. The method according to claim 14, comprising entering a userinto the prize draw if an amount of revenue generated for the system bythat user has exceeded a predetermined level.
 20. A computer-readablemedium storing a computer program which causes a computer in anetwork-based voting system to stimulate use of the system, the computerprogram comprising: a first program portion operable to maintain a prizefund from which monetary prizes may be periodically awarded in a prizedraw, at least a part of the prize fund being financed by means of alottery syndicate such that lottery winnings of the syndicate are paidinto the prize fund; and a second program portion operable to enter auser of the system into the prize draw based on a use of the systemrelated to that user.
 21. In a network-based voting system, acomputer-implemented method of sharing revenues generated by users ofthe system amongst those users, the method comprising: apportioning ashare of said revenues to a first one of said users in dependence uponuse made of the voting system relating to the first user; and if thefirst user was introduced to the voting system by a second one of saidusers, apportioning a part of said share to the second user.
 22. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 21, wherein at least oneuser of the voting system uses a communication device to access thesystem, the method further comprising: using a billing system of thecommunication device, by which the user is charged for use of saidcommunication device, to charge that user for services provided to thatuser by the voting system so as to generate said revenues.
 23. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 21, further comprising:maintaining, for each of a plurality of said users, a record of one ormore parties to which at least part of any user-generated revenuesallocated to the user concerned are to be distributed; enabling eachsaid user having such a record to update his/her record from time totime; and when a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed,distributing those revenues to each party specified in his/her record.24. The computer-implemented method according to claim 22, furthercomprising: maintaining, for each of a plurality of said users, a recordof one or more parties to which at least part of any user-generatedrevenues allocated to the user concerned are to be distributed; enablingeach said user having such a record to update his/her record from timeto time; and when a user's allocated revenues are to be distributed,distributing those revenues to each party specified in his/her record.25. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program which causes acomputer in a network-based voting system to share revenues generated byusers of the system amongst those users, the computer programcomprising: a first program portion operable to apportion a share ofsaid revenues to a first one of said users in dependence upon use madeof the voting system relating to the first user; and a second programportion operable, if the first user was introduced to the voting systemby a second one of said users, to apportion a part of said share to thesecond user.
 26. In a network-based voting system, acomputer-implemented method of distributing money to at least one party,the method comprising: maintaining, for each of a plurality of users ofthe system, a record of one or more parties to which at least part ofany user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned are to bedistributed; enabling each said user having such a record to updatehis/her record from time to time; and when a user's allocated revenuesare to be distributed, distributing those revenues to each partyspecified in his/her record.
 27. The computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 26, wherein the or each said party is a charity. 28.The computer-implemented method according to claim 26, comprisingmaintaining such a record for each user of the system.
 29. Thecomputer-implemented method according to claim 26, comprisingmaintaining, for each said party in each said record, data indicatingwhat proportion of the allocated revenues should be distributed to theparty concerned.
 30. A computer-readable medium storing a computerprogram which causes a computer in a network-based voting system todistribute money to at least one party, the program comprising: a firstprogram portion operable to maintain, for each of a plurality of usersof the system, a record of one or more parties to which at least part ofany user-generated revenues allocated to the user concerned are to bedistributed; a second program portion operable to enable each said userhaving such a record to update his/her record from time to time; and athird program portion operable, when a user's allocated revenues are tobe distributed, to distribute those revenues to each party specified inhis/her record.